How to Book and Prepare for Your Real ID Appointment at the Connecticut DMV

Book your Real ID appointment through the Connecticut DMV website or by phone

Connecticut requires you to book a Real ID appointment in advance — you cannot walk in. The DMV offers two ways to reserve a time slot: through the online appointment system at ct.gov/dmv or by calling the DMV appointment line at 860-263-5700. The online system is usually faster, and you can see available dates and times immediately.

When you book online, you will select your location (the DMV has offices in Wethersfield, Danbury, Waterbury, and New London), choose the service you need (Real ID driver's license or Real ID ID card), and pick your preferred date and time. The system will send you a confirmation email with your appointment number and details. If you call, a representative will walk you through the same process and mail or email your confirmation.

Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance, especially at the Wethersfield location. If you cannot find an open slot, check back a few days later — the DMV releases new time slots regularly. You can also try calling; sometimes phone appointments have different availability than the online system.

Key Takeaways

• Book your Real ID appointment online at ct.gov/dmv or by calling 860-263-5700; walk-ins are not accepted.
• Bring your current Connecticut driver's license or ID card, proof of Social Security number, and one document proving your current address.
• Real ID documents cost the same as standard licenses or ID cards in Connecticut and are valid for the same renewal period.
• The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, but arrive 10 minutes early to check in.
• If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone so someone else can use that slot.

What documents to bring to your Real ID appointment

The Connecticut DMV has a specific list of documents required for Real ID. You must bring your current Connecticut driver's license or ID card, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and one document proving your current address. Address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to bring one document proving your identity and date of birth if your current license or ID card does not show your full legal name or if you have changed your name since it was issued. A birth certificate, passport, or certified marriage certificate works for this purpose. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document.

Bring the originals of all documents — the DMV will not accept copies. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well. The DMV staff can tell you on the spot if a document is acceptable, but it is better to call ahead at 860-263-5700 if you are unsure about something specific.

What happens during your Real ID appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk with your confirmation number. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you to verify your address and confirm your legal name. If you have changed your name since your last license, they will ask for documentation of that change.

Next, you will have your photograph taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the same rules apply as for a standard license photo (no hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face). You will then sign the back of your new Real ID document and pay the fee. Connecticut charges the same fee for a Real ID as for a standard license or ID card — the cost depends on whether you are renewing or replacing and how long the document is valid for.

Your Real ID document will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that you can use while you wait for the card to arrive. The temporary is valid for driving and identification purposes.

Real ID requirements and what makes it different from a standard license

A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. The main difference is that Real ID documents have an extra security feature — a small star in the upper right corner — and require more thorough identity verification during the application process. Real ID documents can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.

Connecticut began issuing Real ID documents in 2009, and since 2025, a Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility. If you have a standard Connecticut driver's license or ID card, you can still use it for driving and most identification purposes, but you will need a Real ID, passport, or other federal ID to fly domestically or enter a federal building.

The cost of a Real ID is the same as a standard license in Connecticut. There is no extra charge for the security features. If you are renewing your license anyway, you can choose to get a Real ID at the same time without paying more.

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment

If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it as soon as possible so the DMV can offer that slot to someone else. You can cancel online through the DMV website or by calling 860-263-5700. If you cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment, you can rebook immediately for a different date and time.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one through the regular system. The DMV does not penalize missed appointments, but you will lose your reserved time slot and may have to wait longer for the next available opening.

Real ID appointment wait times and location differences

Wait times vary by location and time of year. The Wethersfield office is the busiest and often has the longest waits for appointments. Danbury, Waterbury, and New London typically have more availability. If you are flexible with your location, checking a less busy office can sometimes get you an earlier appointment.

All four Connecticut DMV locations offer Real ID appointments. The services and requirements are the same at each location — the only difference is how far you have to travel and how quickly you can get an appointment. If you live in the eastern part of the state, the New London office may be more convenient than Wethersfield, even if both have openings.

What to do if you have a name change, legal issue, or other complication

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue a new Real ID with your current legal name.

If you have a suspended or revoked license, you cannot get a Real ID until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to check the status of your license before booking an appointment. If there is an issue, the staff can tell you what you need to do to resolve it.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have a valid visa or travel document, you can still get a Real ID. Bring your passport or travel document and proof of your legal status. The process is the same as for citizens, but the DMV will need to verify your immigration status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID without an appointment?

No. Connecticut requires all Real ID applicants to book an appointment in advance. The DMV does not accept walk-ins for Real ID services. You must book through ct.gov/dmv or by calling 860-263-5700.

How long does a Real ID appointment take?

Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to completion. Arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for check-in. If the office is busy, you may wait longer, but the actual service time is usually short.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number instead. The DMV accepts any official document that displays your full nine-digit number. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your document will work.

Can I renew my Real ID by mail?

Connecticut does not offer mail-in renewal for Real ID documents. You must come in person to renew. However, if you are renewing a standard license by mail and want to upgrade to Real ID, you will need to schedule an in-person appointment instead.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

The DMV requires address proof dated within the last 60 days. If your document is older, bring a newer one — a recent utility bill or bank statement works. If you cannot find a document within that window, call the DMV to ask about alternatives.